The Globe Map
Porta Maggiore
🏛️LandmarkFree

Porta Maggiore

4.3 ·

Discover Porta Maggiore, the massive Roman gate where two ancient aqueducts once crossed a busy road. See its twin arches of rugged, functional stonework and the nearby oven-shaped Tomb of Eurysaces, a quick free stop for engineering enthusiasts.

✨

Reasons to go

  • Built in 52 AD by Emperor Claudius as an aqueduct bridge carrying water across a major road junction, later folded into the Aurelian Walls as a city gate.
  • The monumental travertine arches were built for engineering function rather than triumphal display, unlike Rome's ceremonial arches.
  • Nearby stands the Tomb of Eurysaces, a baker's monument shaped like bread ovens, visible free from the piazza.
📖

Full description

Built by Emperor Claudius in 52 AD, Porta Maggiore was originally an aqueduct bridge carrying water supplies across a major road intersection outside the ancient city, before later being incorporated into the Aurelian Walls as an actual gate. Its twin arches and rough, monumental stonework reflect a functional engineering purpose more than an ornamental one, distinguishing it from purely triumphal arches elsewhere in Rome.

Nearby stands the unusual Tomb of Eurysaces, a baker whose elaborate monument is shaped to resemble bread ovens. It's a quick, free stop suited to visitors interested in Roman infrastructure and engineering rather than art or religion.

📍

Address

Piazza di Porta Maggiore, 00182 Roma RM, Italy · Rome
Website
🎫

Booking

Walk-in

Duration

20 min

Best time

early morning or early evening

Intensity

Easy pace

💡

Good to know

  • Look for the nearby Tomb of Eurysaces the baker, an unusual monument shaped like bread ovens
  • it's free and unticketed, easily viewed from the surrounding piazza
  • it sits somewhat off the main tourist track, so a metro or bus ride is likely needed to reach it.
💬

Reviews

The Porta Maggiore was built in 52AD by Emperor Claidius. Later, during 270's it became a gate in the Aurelian Walls, turn8ng it into an Entrance to the city itself. It is one of the most significant urban sites, for understanding ancient aqueducts. I am glad it became a part of my visual treat of Rome during August…

N

Neeru Das

2/5

Build your itinerary

Build an itinerary that feels like you.

City

Rome

Dates

Choose your Explorer profile